Bird Watcher

curating a breastfeeding-friendly wardrobe  Though I took a break from regular posting on social media, my time on “break” was actually spent quite productively creating, and it was the best break I’ve had in quite a long while.

Lately I had been feeling like I only ever got dressed for social media. For a blog post, a video, an Instagram post, what have you. I put on clothes because… I had to. So, I decided to utilize my little social media break to fall in love with clothes again. Having three babies has changed my body quite a lot — from the shape to pounds gained to silhouettes I like wearing and styles I avoid — and I have never really taken time to acquaint myself with these changes. Things that I once flocked toward, I rarely reach for. And while I still know the principle of getting dressed, I wasn’t feeling happy with how I was getting dressed.

Sweater, thrifted (same here) | Skirt, Amazon | Tights, We Love Colors | Shoes, Amazon | scarf, thrifted (similar here) | purse, thrifted (similar here) | belt, Amazon

So I took a break, and I practiced getting dressed in things that made me feel good about this new body. I practiced putting on clothes that were not only pretty, but also practical. I have to be able to be a mom in these clothes; to be unafraid of stains, to pick up my children, to clean, to cook, to breastfeed, to lounge… the list of what I do at home is endless. I can no longer reach for tops or dresses that don’t open up in some way for me to nurse Irene. I rarely wear skirts without pockets in them. I never wear white.

And what’s more, I have found that I reach for tops with some structure to combat the need to wear unsupportive nursing-friendly bras, but I want skirts with lots of flow so that I don’t feel as though they’re adding bulk to my lower half. I reach for tops that have a scoop neck or buttons, to be nursing friendly. I don’t wear the dresses with high necks and back zippers any more.

Now that I’ve curated my closet to be much more wearable in everyday life, I’m finding more joy in getting dressed again, and it’s been a great way to start off the new year! What is something that you’ve begun this year that you love?

Sweater, thrifted (same here) | Skirt, Amazon | Tights, We Love Colors | Shoes, Amazon | scarf, thrifted (similar here) | purse, thrifted (similar here) | belt, Amazon